Irish Soda Bread Raisins Orange (Printable)
A rustic loaf with plump raisins and bright orange zest, perfect for a comforting breakfast or snack.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
05 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
→ Add-ins
08 - 1 cup raisins
09 - Zest of 1 large orange (about 1 tablespoon)
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until smooth and uniform.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Add the raisins and orange zest. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
05 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently just until it comes together, being careful not to overwork. Shape into a round loaf about 7 inches across.
06 - Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep X across the top about 1/2 inch deep. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure proper texture.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- No waiting around for dough to rise—this bread goes from bowl to oven in under fifteen minutes, perfect for sudden bread cravings
- The combination of sweet raisins and bright orange zest makes every bite feel like a special occasion, even on a regular Wednesday morning
02 -
- The dough should be shaggy and slightly sticky—adding too much flour while kneading will create a dense, dry loaf
- That deep X cut isn't just for looks—it helps heat penetrate the center and encourages the bread to split properly as it bakes
03 -
- If your buttermilk has been sitting in the fridge for weeks, test its freshness by adding a spoonful to a small bowl of baking soda—it should fizz immediately
- The X cut should be decisive and confident, hesitation will create a ragged split that won't bake as evenly